Ajijic

Singer, soloist and actor Marco Leon will perform May 25th at the inauguration of the 2022 Terra Games at the Terranova Institute. 

There will also be a meet and greet, a post-show meeting with the popular Tapatío. Famous for his song ‘Bonito’ he promises to start the performance with his biggest hit as a treat for fans.

After that, fans will be able to attend a meet-and-greet to take souvenir photos, get autographs, or just meet a favorite performer. 

Translated by Amy Esperanto

Bridge near the cemetery being cleaned by hand by delegation personnel. Photo: Sofia Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).-The cleaning and clearing of bridges and streams in Ajijic is about to be finished, said Maximiano Macías Arceo, in charge of the office. 

The bridges in the western zone of the delegation are already cleared, and the excavating machines are only giving the «final touches,» he commented.

The bridges that still need to be cleaned  include one  located between Rio Zula and Tio Domingo, which Macias Arceo defined as critical due to the obstruction it presents. It passes between several houses and runs into a wall at the hotel «La Joya del Lago» which cuts its course. It has already been reported and will be reviewed by the Urban Development Department.

Bridge between Rio Zula and Tio Domingo, which is still obstructed by debris from the mudslides. Photo: Sofia Medeles.

The second is located in the area known as «three bridges,» which only needs the usual drainage since it was not affected by the landslides of last October 2021.

«Most of them have already been cleared, there is still a bit of work to be done, but they are free now, they are ready for the rainy season and will not have any problems,» concluded Maximiano Macias. 

However, as of Sunday, 22 May,Laguna observed large boulders and rocks in the underpass at Sendero Christina, which serves several farms and ranches. The area was surrounded by security tape and large piles of debris  had been cleared to one side of the road..

The patrol car was transferred on May 19. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- A patrol unit was given on loan to the Government of Chapala by the residents of La Floresta. They were responsible for acquiring the vehicle for the use and care of the subdivision and nearby areas.

The car is labeled with the logos of the municipal police and the subdivision. The neighborhood association president, Fernando Plata, said that the car cost more than 400 thousand pesos (about US$20,000). The car was paid for by residents of La Floresta.

The moment when the neighborhood association president, Fernando Plata, handed the key to the municipal president, Alejandro Aguirre. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Plata also pointed out that the municipal government provides the officers who will carry out the patrol work in the area and the surrounding streets. In case of emergencies, the car can be used in other parts of the municipality.

During the meeting held on May 19, Fernando Plata spoke with the municipal president, Alejandro Aguirre Curiel, about upcoming projects to improve the flow of traffic on the highway and pedestrian circulation in the area.

The formal handover ceremony, which took place at the La Floresta sculpture on the Chapala-Jocotepec highway, was also attended by  acting Ajijic delegate Maximiano Macias Arceo,  Sergio Conzuelo Ramirez, commander of the municipal police, and members of the board of directors of the subdivision.

Transformer that has not been repaired after a fire. It is located near the intersection of Ocampo and Francisco Villa. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- A transformer in Ajijic has been out of order for more than a month, and repairs have not been performed by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), despite multiple reports made by the town, neighbors, and the Chapala Directorate of Ecology.

On April 11, a fire in an electrical transformer located near the intersection of Francisco Villa and Ocampo streets was reported by nearby residents. The fire was extinguished; however, at the time of this writing, the transformer is still leaking oil.

More than 40 days later, those reports have not been addressed and the damage is still evident. Witnesses have commented that despite complaints, CFE does not provide any information other than the transformer will soon be attended to.

Since the incident, oil has been leaking and leaving a stain under the transformer. Photo: Sofia Medeles.

Ajijic acting delegate Maximiano Macias Arceo commented that he considers the oil spill to be a risk since he asserted that the oil is toxic and could cause burns if it comes into contact with the skin of passers-by.

«We have made countless reports and they have not attended [to repairs], we have even sent photos to the director of Ecology, and they have not attended the report either; we have not found the agency  responsive to the danger and the need to get the transformer fixed,» Arceo pointed out.

Some of the neighbors interviewed in that area state that the device has stopped leaking oil, but even so, they have not reported it. «We have only been without internet, but never electricity, this failure has not affected us in that aspect,» said Andrés.

«It’s not that it doesn’t pump oil, but that it pumps very little. That scares some of us, because if it runs out of oil and overheats, it could cause a serious incident. Let’s see if they hurry before the worst happens, and God forbid, there are fatal accidents,» said Gloria.

Translated by MaryAnne Marble

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).-  In the last few weeks the doors of the Ajijic municipal cemetery have been closing before 10:00 p.m. due to the illicit activities that take place after nightfall.

Acting Ajijic delegateMaximiano Macias Arceo commented that this is an initiative that has been carried out throughout the municipality in an effort to prevent crime in these spaces. In this case to prevent garbage dumping and other misdeeds.

All kinds of garbage and debris in the creek that crosses the cemetery. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

«It is because of littering, and other acts like the vandalization of tombs, the theft of articles from the tombs and other inappropriate activities. All this used to happen at night, that is why this decision was made,» said Macías Arceo.

Macías Arceo said he was aware of customs in Ajijic, so if a family needs permission to start digging a grave during the night or to dig a grave, they can contact him to talk to the caretaker at 331-537-9134.

He also said that even though he has been contacted by people who are upset by this new decision, he believes it is the best way to reduce the dumping of waste in the creek that crosses the cemetery since, he pointed out, garbage has been dumped through the side entrances.

Finally, he made a call to the conscience of Ajijic residents to improve their habits regarding waste. 

«We are not children; we do not need to be herded and told to do things. We need to have a culture of cleanliness, both in the cemetery and in Ajijic. This is a very present problem,» he concluded. 

Translated by Sydney Metrick

Bernabé Robledo, currently in charge of CETAC Ajijic. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- For almost 30 years, Professor Bernabé Robledo has not only been in charge of educating young people in the classroom but also teaching them to be empathetic citizens,  while being an activist for the land he lives on.

Bernabé was born in Ajijic. He is the son of farmers and attended basic education in the delegation, until high school, when he studied at the Center for Technological Studies in Continental Waters (CETAC 01) in Jocotepec. Later, he studied food engineering at the Mazatlán Technology, Sinaloa. He also earned a master’s degree from Ocotlán and a doctorate in Education.

After working in an industrial food production company, in 1996 he decided to become a teacher; his first position as a professor was at the Center for Technological Studies of the Sea (CETMAR) in Mazatlán. 

In 1996 he joined the CETAC Jocotepec, then he became one of the first members of the Mario Molina Institute which studies sustainability,  as well as having been a professor at the National College of Technical Professional Education (CONALEP)  in Chapala.

 One of his achievements which he speaks of as a father would speak of his prodigal child, is the CETAC Ajijic, an extension of the Jocotepec campus, which Robledo managed. He went to great lengths to acquire the property and to request donations to repair the school that was abandoned for at least 15 years, and has been working since 2019, and in his words, has been “shaped to meet the needs of the people of Ajijic.”

Bernabé presenting a request for help to Governor Enrique Alfaro Ramírez. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

«There are many private schools in Ajijic, but none that are public that meet the vocational needs of the region. Ajijic is a town that has approximately 12,000  citizens, and has a tourist economy, which  is why we thought training in businesses related to  the settlement of foreigners and tourists is a perfect fit,» commented the professor.

In addition to continuing with the improvement of the campus, which he said could have the potential to be one of the most beautiful schools in Lakeside, one of his most important goals is to secure the campus in the campus where it is located, which was loaned to it  by the 2018-2021 administration. He also spoke of the exponential growth that has taken place since the beginning, with 115 students and its first generation about to graduate.

Bernabé Robledo commented that his taste for teaching at the high school level arose for several reasons, one of them being how his life  has been coupled to the needs that young people have at this age and that makes it easier for him to communicate with them, and to the nobility he finds in this age range.

«At this age, you are finishing shaping the citizens about to be sent to society. I have found satisfaction, especially in their nobility. For example, when we were fixing up the CETAC playground, one of the laziest youngsters helped and put all his effort into handling the concrete mixing  equipment. He gave and gave, until when he finished, he fell exhausted to the ground. He was a 16 or 17 year old kid who decided to help, and thanks to him, as well as to the other youngsters, CETAC has made progress,” he said.

Professor Berna, as he is also known, not only says he is committed to education, but also to activism, which he has engaged in on multiple occasions with his students. 

«I am a great admirer of Paulo Freire, educator of America, and I agree with his philosophy that the teacher by himself is already a social transformer. I don’t find any conflict between activism and teaching, I can’t conceive of one without the other. I get tired, but I don’t get angry, I don’t work for a salary, but for an ideal. If you don’t feel that way, it may not be your vocation,» he said firmly.

On the other hand, he has always advised his students to pursue cultural activities, since, his vision is that he seeks young people to realize culture and empathy, that they feel proud and love these teachings, adding that «we are rich in culture, we do not have to envy any other culture.»

Finally, he dedicated a few words to the future teachers: in this profession they are not going to get rich so it is something they must love, since it is a social work owed to the community.

Translated by Christalle Dalsted

First International Theater Festival of Jocotepec 2022

Day: April 27 to May 31

Information at Casa de Cultura «José Vaca Flores»

Location: Hidalgo Sur #38, Jocotepec, downtown 

Information at 387-763-1621

Course «Literature of Mexican Women Writers»

Day: April 28, May 5, 12, 19 and 26

Virtual literary course, taught by Charlotte Carranza

Place: Virtual course 

Schedule: 6-8pm

Cost: Information at 331-273-1110

Mr Q

Day: Thursday June 2

Classic Rock Concert

Place: 4to Sentido, Carretera Chapala – Ajijic 89, Top Floor, Plaza Paradise Center, San Antonio

Schedule: 5pm 

Cost: $250 pesos in advance and $250 pesos on site

16th Anniversary Son de Mexico International invites to the Gala Function

Day: May 21

Children’s Folkloric Ballet

Venue: Atrium of the old temple El Hospitalito, San Juan Cosalá, Centro Histórico

Time: 8pm 

Limited seating

Xapawiyemeta

Day: Saturday May 21

Offering and traditional wake

Place: Isla de los Alacranes, Chapala

Schedule: 8pm 

Information and registration at 331-286-7352

Huichol Art Festival

Day: Saturday May 21

Art, culture and traditional medicine

Place: Pablola Gallery, 16 de Septiembre #1 Ajijic, Downtown

Hours: 11am – 5pm

Translated by Christalle Dalsted

The impact was slight, with no injuries. 

Editorial Staff.- Two cars merging from the Ajijic beltway onto the Chapala-Jocotepec highway were involved in a minor rear-end accident on the afternoon of May 17.

Even though the accident caused only minor damage, the drivers involved had to wait for their insurance companies to arrive. Despite the fact that the damaged vehicles did not block through traffic, curious onlookers in passing vehicles caused traffic to slow.

Translated by MaryAnne Marble

People who participated during the removal of one of the invading cyclone fences. Photo: Facebook.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- Approximately 20 people gathered to recover the federal land on the beaches of  San Antonio Tlayacapan to protest against alleged illegal construction last Sunday, May 15.

On Sunday morning, residents of San Antonio and Ajijic and members of the group Pueblos Unidos de la Ribera removed two fences that were encroaching properties on Lake Chapala.

A wall allegedly invading federal land was filled with messages about the lack of attention from the authorities. Photo: Facebook.

The activists identify illegal landfills and construction as part of their mission and they pointed to a trailer on land allegedly invaded by the former PAN candidate for local deputy, José de Jesús Arambul Solorio as one of the sites they are targeting.

One of the fences the activists removed was located in a construction site in progress and had been re-erected during the week. The group reported the fence to  the Chapala Urban Development Department, requesting its removal and an end to the construction.However, as of the closing of this edition, the municipal authority had not acted, and the group intends to protest again.

«There are several landfills and high walls on the invaders’ land and they are walls that, until a year ago, were not there. They are very large spaces, some of up to one hectare. We tried to get a resolution from the city council to close down these construction projects, but they did not do it», mentioned a participant of the movement.

Trailer that the activists are trying to remove from property allegedly appropriated by the former PAN candidate for local congressman, Jesús Arambul Solorio, next to a banner calling for its removal. Photo: Facebook.

The contested  trailer had been  planned to be removed during the demonstration,  but there were not sufficient people to move it. The  protesters cleaned the property, and disconnected the vehicle from the electrical wiring, which, according to several witnesses, was illegally connected.

Due to the disregard by the authorities, as well as the lack of support, a demonstration is being called in the same area, this coming Friday, May 20, which will be attended by people from San Antonio, Ajijic and San Juan Cosalá to support the liberation of beaches and to create recreational and sports spaces.

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

Restaurant being remodeled to “open  soon”. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles.- The controversial restaurant located on the Ajijic pier, which in recent weeks has seen staff working on its upcoming reopening, still does not have the necessary licenses to operate, nor has it been approached by Chapala authorities.

This information was confirmed by the municipal president Alejandro de Jesús Aguirre Curiel, who said that no commercial activity has been authorized. 

«So far, I am not aware that they have been approached, but they do not have any license», thus ruling out a prompt opening.

Contrary to this, in the last three weeks, there has been activity on the part of workers performing remodeling, next to a large billboard, which has information about the restaurant, which reads «coming soon».

The appearance of the restaurant and the sign have generated controversy in Ajijic, as some people object to both the restaurant on the premises, and those who see it as a source of work, a tourist attraction, and that it would be better occupied than abandoned.

The 34-year-old building, located next to the Ajijic pier, was built there due to a concession granted by the National Water Commission (Conagua) to a private individual. The owner of the site and of the concession is Fabio Rizzo Jasso, according to him, the concession covers 3,362 meters, which includes part of the boardwalk and the Parque de la Amistad, and is authorized for 50 years.

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan